Conservation groups offer reward in September otter shootings

PACIFIC GROVE -- Conservation groups are offering a $21,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the shooting deaths of three California sea otters near Pacific Grove in September.

Protected by the federal Endangered Species Act, the otters were discovered near Asilomar State Beach by members of the Sea Otter Research and Conservation team. The shooting is under investigation.

The state and several environmental and wildlife groups came up with the reward money. Anyone with information should call U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at 650-876-9078. Anonymous reports can also be made by calling the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at 703-358-1949, or the California Department of Fish and Wildlife at 888-334-2258.